WAR IN SPAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 16 December 1937, Page 9

WAR IN SPAIN

REPUBLICAN OFFENSIVE IN ARAGON SHELLING OF MADRID fUnited Preps Association—By Eleetrlo Telegraph—Copyrightl (Received 16th December, 12.*15 p.m.) MADRID, 15th December. Republicans in an effort to upset the insurgent offensive preparations carried out their own offensive in South V Aragon, driving through a snowstorm against the rebel salient at Teruel, also pressing Teruel city. The Republicans also shelled concentrations at Madrid, the insurgents retaliating by shelling the centre of the citv

FRANCO MASSING HIS FORCES

rOnited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright]

LONDON, 7th December.

Far from being ended, the civil wai v- in Spain is about to enter its most violent and decisive phase, according to the general feeling among foreign military observers.

When the Nationalist leader (General Franco) makes his “drive” it is expected he will meet resistance from a Republican force of practically equal strength. General Franco’s army will be headed by 160.000 foreign “shock troops.” The Republicans claim that the delay by General Franco in launching his offensive is due to the success of their air raids in destroying the Nationalist bases and disorganising preparations, particularly on the Aragon front.

Meanwhile, General Franco is stated to have massed 150,000 troops—mostly Moors and Italians —between Pozoblanco (near Cordova) and Aimeria in the south of Spain. These troops are under the command of General Davila and Colonel Caslejon.